[AlanHo]

‘Good afternoon I'm calling from the NHS track and trace service.

According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.'

'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?'

'I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.'

'Right. Um... so ....'

'But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?'

'Ok (gives address)'

I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalise this and send the kit to you.'

'Sorry - a payment card? I thought this was all free?'

'No - I'm afraid not.

There is a one-off fee of £50 for the kit and test results.

Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you're ready.'

'No - that's not right.

This is part of the NHS so there's no charge.'

'I'm afraid there is.

Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.'

Puts the phone down.

This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it.”

[The Gonz]

 

[asathorny]

 

[Dazzler]

Thanks for sharing. Obviously the more worldly wise of us wouldn't fall for that, but as you say some vulnerable people do.

[Paolo5]

It is disgraceful how something like the pandemic can bring out the worst in some people...yet it is heartening that it can bring out the best in others.


"DEATH TO COVID SCUMBAGS!!!!" I say.

[Dazzler]

It is disgraceful how something like the pandemic can bring out the worst in some people...yet it is heartening that it can bring out the best in others.


"DEATH TO COVID SCUMBAGS!!!!" I say.

Yes, the amount of sneaky scam emails and even text messages since the pandemic started is crazy. Some are just plain amusing to me. Things like my Westpac bank and Nab bank accounts being frozen due to possible fraudulent activity, etc.. when I don't even bank with them. The amount of times my PayPal account has been limited is amazing too. 

[CraigB]

This scam has just been mentioned on the news here after showing up in Australia...originating from the UK